New Toy

[ggoblum1]

Hello, just wanted to get a little info on a project. I traded a trailer I was not using for a 1989 V1500 Suburban. Interior is in excellent shape not a tear in it. Was going to use for hunting/lake vehicle (definatly room for 5). Did not realize they were so big inside, like a small living room. Was looking at rear 14 bolt axle swap and 8 lug conversion in front got that info off K5 site semms pretty straight foward. Wanted to run 36's or 37's, with either a 6 or 8 inch lift, leaning towards the 8 for more tire clearance without cutting fenders. Will probally swap out the tired 5.7 with either a bigger hp 5.7 or just a big old 454, but was wondering about which engines I could swap out with and still use the TBI. Anyone who knows any of tech issues with this year of sub would be greatly appreciated. Any other advice about lifts or rim size would also be appreciated. Thanks will post some picks as soon as I figure it out. Thanks

 

[K5dreamer]

ditch the 350... go diesel.... thank me later

a military surplus 6.2L is dirt cheap, will bolt right in, and will nearly double your mileage compared to the gasser and puts out more than enough torque for getting around on the trail. of course you gotta flush the fuel system, and handle the details.

although if you are looking at keeping the gas engine, the best bang for the buck would be a 383 stroker kit, and a set of vortec heads. get the best of both worlds, the lower weight of the small block, and the torque of the big block. and its gonna be way easier than putting in a big block. If its TBI you may want to invest in a holly TBI throttle body for the added air flow.

seriously though, if youre just looking for a hunting rig, im guessing its more of a trail rig than an off road rig that needs alot of articulation, the 6 in lift should do you just fine, but the work to do 8 is pretty much the same, so why not get the extra two inches right. Ill be running 37's with a 4in lift, and probably only minor trimming because i dont need alot of articulation.

i havent done the 14b swap, but from what everyone has said, its a direct bolt in situation, im sure someone who has will chime in soon.

 

[ggoblum1]

Well looks like I will be heading to the junkyard tomorrow hopfully I can find what I'm looking for maybe get lucky and score rear axle and front knuckles. Thanks for the info on the engine will need to check on both options, had a compression test on the motor todat check out fine so there might be so life left in the motor.

 

[ggoblum1]

Took the plung called up Offroad Design today and ordered some products, should be enough to get started. Now all I need to do is go pick up my rear axle and should be set to go. Well that and a few weekends of wrenchin. Got a little crazy with the ordering 6in lift front, steering brace, greasables, 1in body lift, new bushings, tc drop kit and a few more goodies. Should be great was going to go with 8in and body lift but decided to compromise. Still trying to post pics.